Mind The Nutrient Gap
Health & Fitness|Issue 238

Thousands of women following supposedly healthy diets could be missing out on key nutrients, suggests new research. Are you? Here’s how to get what you need from your food

Charlotte Haigh
Mind The Nutrient Gap

So you eat a mainly plant-based diet, avoid starchy carbs and down green smoothies for breakfast. You think you’re packing in the vitamins and minerals and helping your health by steering clear of certain foods. But is that really true?

A new report by the Health & Food Supplements Information Service, which reviewed diet trends and nutrient intake over the past two decades using the latest Government statistics, has found that diet quality has declined significantly in the past 20 years. Many of us are woefully low in some nutrients – and certain aspects of modern eating could be to blame. Our nutrient gap is a worry because diet-related ill health currently causes 12 per cent of the total number of deaths in the UK.

Shockingly, poor diet has a greater impact on the NHS budget than alcohol, smoking and lack of physical inactivity. Experts are predicting a surge in chronic illness and warn that unless younger people improve their diets now, they face an increased risk of future health issues and potential reduced lifespan. So could you be at risk? Read on to find out.

THE NUTRIENTS WE’RE MISSING

Vitamin A – intake of this essential vitamin has fallen by 21 per cent, with fewer women of childbearing age meeting the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI) for vitamin A

Vitamin D – down by 22 per cent

Fibre – we’re eating less than half the recommended daily amount

Omega-3 fatty acids – oily fish consumption remains below optimal levels

Riboflavin – down by 11 per cent

Folate – down by 10 per cent

Calcium – down by 10 per cent

Iron – down by 5 per cent; 27 per cent of women are failing to achieve the LRNI

Potassium – down by 4 per cent

This story is from the Issue 238 edition of Health & Fitness.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Issue 238 edition of Health & Fitness.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HEALTH & FITNESSView All
Is It Ok To Skip The Gym Tonight
Health & Fitness

Is It Ok To Skip The Gym Tonight

Too busy, tired or stressed to work out? Stop feeling guilty, sometimes it’s ok to skip a session. Here’s why...

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 243
How To Turn Your Home Into A Smart Gym
Health & Fitness

How To Turn Your Home Into A Smart Gym

Don’t want to schlep to the gym to get your exercise RDA? The latest breed of connected machines will bring studio workouts to you

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 243
Ski, Hike, Bike
Health & Fitness

Ski, Hike, Bike

H&F writer Sheila Reid gets active in Val d’Isère on a luxury snow adventure

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 243
We're Talking To… Vick Hope
Health & Fitness

We're Talking To… Vick Hope

The TV presenter and Capital FM DJ talks about what makes her feel truly alive

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

You Have Got Time T0 Run

Is the festive season taking a toll on your training? Follow these tips to squeeze in your workouts, no matter how busy you are

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 243
Soothe Xmas Stress
Health & Fitness

Soothe Xmas Stress

Feeling far from festive? Follow this four-step plan to find support

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

Rest & Restore

It’s the most stressful – sorry, wonderful – time of the year. So now more than ever, it’s important to take time out to relax and rejuvenate. Luckily, there’s a whole host of new ways to do just that...

time-read
6 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

Me And My Workout Buddy

The winter months can really zap your exercise motivation, but these three women have a workout pal who inspires them to stay fit all year-round

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

I'm Building A Fitness Empire!

From reality star to sportswear designer, Gabby Allen is on a mission to help you look and feel fab

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

Get Connected

Don’t want to schlep to the gym to get your exercise RDA? The latest breed of connected machines will bring studio workouts to you

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 243